Spain came into the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the title favorites but were held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde in the tournament opener.
The European champions next take on Saudi Arabia in Atlanta as the country looks to take a step forward towards qualifying for the round of 32.
However, a big name is missing from the Spanish selection on match day, a name that has been a permanent fixture in the last four World Cups: Sergio Ramos.
Why doesn’t Sergio Ramos play in Spain against Saudi Arabia?
Ramos remains an active player and is currently a free agent after leaving Liga MX side Monterrey in December last year.
However, he will not play in the match between Spain and Saudi Arabia as he has not been eligible for national team selection for at least three years. Ramos was an integral part of Spain’s golden generation, winning his first World Cup in 2010 and two European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
He also played the most games for Spain ever.
In 2023, he was told by current coach, Luis De La Fuente, that he would no longer be considered for national team selection, and shortly afterwards the former Real Madrid defender announced his international retirement.
“The time has come, the time to say goodbye to the national team, our beloved and exciting Roja,” Ramos wrote on social media.
“This morning I received a call from the current coach who told me that he does not count on me and will not count on me, regardless of the level I can show or how I continue my career.
“It is with great sadness that this is the end of a journey that I hoped would last longer and end with a better taste in my mouth, at the height of all the successes we have achieved with our Roja.”
Sergio Ramos’ record at FIFA World Cups:
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Matches: 17
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Win: 10
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Draws: 2
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Losses: 5
Published on June 21, 2026
